“To assist with the clean-up, up to $500,000 will be made available to support the recovery in Buller and Marlborough which has experienced significant damage particularly to farmland, vineyards, homes, roads and bridges,” Sepuloni said.
“This funding will mean job seekers can be employed to help farmers and growers clear debris and complete clean-up work on their properties. It will also enable the local councils or other authorised agencies to hire job seekers to help with the clean-up.
She says the Government is keen to ensure that local job seekers will be used wherever possible due to pressure on accommodation, particularly on the West Coast.
“Through this funding we’re expecting up to 30 job seekers to be employed to help out on the ground for a maximum of 12 weeks,” she said.
Across the West Coast and Marlborough, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry will work with agencies to make sure ETFG assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers that need this support.
Farmers and growers can self-register for clean-up help here.
Other people needing help on their properties will be able to apply through Civil Defence and can find their local contact here.
